Informative

Secret Avatars of Lord Ganesha Series Part 8: Dhumravarna Avatar

Welcome, dear readers, to our exciting new blog series – “Secret Avatars of Lord Ganesha“! Get ready to embark on a spiritual journey as we unravel the lesser-known manifestations of our beloved Bappa, Lord Ganesha.

This captivating series will delve into the depths of ancient scriptures and sacred texts to uncover the hidden stories behind Lord Ganesha’s enigmatic avatars. These lesser-explored incarnations of the benevolent Lord hold profound meanings and lessons that have the power to touch our souls and enrich our lives.

In this eighth blog of the series, we’ll explore the fascinating “Dhumravarna Avatar,” a brilliant manifestation of Lord Ganesha. As we unravel the spiritual dimensions of this tale, we will uncover its profound significance and the valuable wisdom it imparts. Let’s embark on this voyage together! Ganpati Bappa Morya…

” धूम्रवर्णावतारश्चाभिमानासुरनाशकः| आखुवाहनश्चासौ शिवात्मा तु स उच्यते ॥

Dhumravarna Avataarashcha Abhimaanasura Naashakaah| Akhuvaahanashchasau Shivaatma Tu Sa Uchyate||

The incarnation named ‘Dhumravarna’ (one with a tawny or smoky color) of Shri Ganeshji, the demon named Abhimaan was destroyed by him. He is also known as Mushkavahan, and the manifestation of ultimate reality itself.

As said in the above mantra, the story of Lord Ganesha’s incarnation is truly fascinating, and it all begins with an intriguing incident. Let’s take a deep dive into this ancient tale, as told in the ancient text of Ganesh Puran. It’s a journey into the mystical world of Sanatana Dharma, where gods and cosmic forces come to life, weaving a captivating narrative that will transport you to a realm where the divine and the mortal collide.

Birth of Abhimanaasur

In ancient times, Lord Brahma had made Lord Surya (Sun) the presiding deity of the universe, governed by karma (where the principal virtue is duty). On receiving that very glorious position, Suryadev thought that no one in the world was as glorious as Him.

Thinking thus arrogantly, He suddenly sneezed, from which a handsome Asura (demon) was born. He was gigantic and mighty; his eyes were also huge. The Asura went to the demon guru Shukracharya, bowed, and stood aside.

Shukracharya, after meditating for some time, said, ‘You are born out of the ego of the Sun. Because of this, your name will be Abhimaanasur (ego and pride). Please perform the penance of Lord Gajanan by reciting Ganesha’s mantra, ‘ Om Gan Ganapataye Vighnavinashine Swaha.’

Asura’s Penance

Abhimanaa bowed down after listening to his orders and went away after learning the method of rituals, and there he started performing rituals. He did severe penance for one thousand divine years meditating on Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was pleased with his severe penance.

Abhimaanasur requested – ‘ Lord! If you are pleased, please give me your devotion. May all my desires be fulfilled by your grace and grant me health, victory, and the kingdom of the whole universe. Oh, Lord! May I not get death in any way.’ Saying, ‘so be it,’ Lord Ganesha disappeared.

Abhimanaasura’s World Conquering

Now Abhimanaasur had become a mighty, majestic demonic king. A demon named Pramdasur married his daughter to him, from whom two sons named Garva (pride) and Shrestha (superiority) were born. After a few days, he started his victory, pride in the inspiration of Pramdasur. He soon conquered the earth, the underworld, and the heaven. He started running his autocratic rule by becoming the Lord of the whole universe.

Abhimanaasur completely banned devotional and spiritual activities like Yadnya. Because of this, the Asuras started denying all those religious proceedings. They even started destroying the forests and mountains to search for the expensive metals.

Wherever the idols of Ganesha were installed in the temples, those idols were thrown away. In their place, Abhimanaasur got his idols installed. The supreme devotees of Abhimanaasur were also appointed to their priestly posts. In this way, the worship of Abhimanaasur became prevalent instead of the actual worship.

Emergence of Lord Dhumravarna

Here the gods were getting very impatient and agitated. They gathered in a secret place for discussion. They decided to take shelter in mantra meditation to please Lord Ganesha. Then they all started worshiping Lord Ganesha with devotional mantras. Satisfied with this, He appeared in the form of Lord Dumravarna.

Lord Dhumravarna assured them – ‘Oh Gods! I will remove all your troubles soon.’ Having said this, He disappeared and appeared on the battlefield, challenging the atrocious Asura. Then the Gods who were pleased started chanting praises.

The War

His sons, along with their vast demonic armies, came out of the city with the desire to fight Lord Dhumravarna with Asurasena. That’s when a powerful Pasha (noose) released by the Lord appeared there and destroyed all the demons. Both the sons of Ahantasur also went to the other world after being burnt by the brightness of that Prash.

When Abhimanaasur heard it, he came to the battlefield along with the rest of the army. The noose was still active. It started burning his army like a pile of cotton. In this way, his entire demon army was destroyed in no time. Then that celestial noose started moving towards Abhimanaasur, so he quickly ran away to save his life.

Abhimanaasur bowed down to Shukracharya, appeared in Lord Dhumravarn’s service, and surrendered himself at Lord’s feet. Seeing his plight, the merciful Lord forgave him. The noose returned to the hands of the Lord. 

Satisfied with his praise, God said – ‘Abhimanaasur! Now you immediately leave the place of the deities, religious place, sacrificial place, pilgrimage, temple, etc., and reside there where there are no devotees of mine and no worship of me. You must also bear the burden of protecting my devotees, deities, sages, etc.’

Abhimanaasur didn’t only get forgiven but also got a special task from the Lord. The Lord’s instruction, a way to make up for mistakes, called Abhimanaasur to go to places where people didn’t worship the Lord and were far from where His followers gathered. He was given an important job – to keep safe the very creatures he used to fight against, and to guard the people who believed in the Lord, wise individuals, and the divine beings that worshiped the same power he once questioned.

Just as Abhimanaasur’s path shifted from defiance to devotion, may we too find the strength to embrace the call of higher purpose.

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